ECP wants power to suspend legislators over assets

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed that lawmakers who fail to submit details of assets to the commission within the stipulated time period be suspended from membership of the house for 60 days. The proposal is part of the unified draft election law prepared by the ECP, but experts believe it needs to be refined because, in its present form, it sets two ‘last dates’ for the purpose. Also read: Over 500 lawmakers fail to file statements of assets, liabilities The proposed law requires members of parliament and provincial assemblies to annually submit statements of their assets and liabilities, as well as those of their spouses and dependents. The law stipulates that the names of those who fail to do so by Oct 15 every year, be made public. Under the proposed law, the commission is also seeking powers to suspend the membership of such legislators for two months through an order to be issued on Oct 16. Any member who fails to submit the statement of assets after his suspension will remain suspended till the filing of the document.